A year after the San Diego Padres traded Juan Soto away to the New York Yankees for a massive haul of talented players, trade rumors have again come. San Diego is reportedly listening to trades on three players, including 2022, 2023, and 2024 batting title winner Luis Arraez, former superstar Xander Bogaerts, and ace Dylan Cease. However, Cease may be the most intriguing player for his remarkable abilities. Where might he land?
Top 3 Trade Destinations for Padres Ace
Baltimore Orioles
This trade would undoubtedly hurt any team’s farm system. However, the Baltimore Orioles still want to compete. The O’s may have no choice but to pursue such a trade, thanks to Corbin Burnes likely signing in a different place. Cease would fill such a void left by Burnes and could also help challenge the New York Yankees in the NL East. The Orioles’ signings of Tyler O’Neill and Gary Sanchez were pretty good but not good enough for a great season.
The Orioles can satisfy the Padres with a hefty load of prospects, such as Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad. However, the question remains if the Padres will be looking for a rebuild or will be looking for MLB-ready players who can help the team in 2025. Regardless, the Orioles would be a nice fit for Cease.
Boston Red Sox
Thanks to the Garrett Crochet trade, this would be an interesting pursuit for the Boston Red Sox. In addition to this, the Red Sox shiny farm system may be hurt majorly by another big trade, especially Cease. However, after disappointing their fans with a failed Juan Soto chase and disappointing their fans with the 2024 season itself, perhaps it is time to take a risk. The Red Sox could make their rotation their strength with the addition of another ace- and Cease may fit the bill nicely.
Despite not being an absolute stud with his career ERA (3.75), Cease has managed to put up four straight 200-strikeout seasons, not to mention 214 every year. The Red Sox would thrill their fans with such an acquisition and perhaps reach the playoffs.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are given the gift of an opportunity here. Even though the Mets have David Peterson as the only lefty in the rotation, the remaining viable free agents to fill the fifth spot are rights. Indeed, a long-term deal with Sean Manea would be suitable for New York; however, something about Dylan Cease joining the rotation would be great. The Mets need a pitcher who they KNOW will provide in 2025. Kodai Senga, Peterson, and many others have shown they could easily wreck the Met’s rotation with injuries and bad performances.
As a result, New York’s need for a healthy and sound pitcher is evident. In free agency, the Mets’ main priority should be to resign Pete Alonso and work on the bullpen, not allowing themselves to believe Juan Soto will make their lineup invincible.
Overall, Cease would be an exciting player to acquire. The pitcher has led the league in K’s since 2021 and has shown that he can easily be the difference in a rotation. Cease may be the pitcher to get on the trade market.
Main Image–Kiyoshi Mio–Imagn Images
